Oman Has Announced Six New Airports By 2029 To Enhance Aviation
Oman's ambitious plan to enhance its aviation infrastructure takes a significant leap forward with the announcement of six new airports set to commence operations between 2028 and 2029. This development was shared by Naif bin Ali al Abri, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), during an interview with Al Sharq at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh. The initiation of consulting designs for these airports has already begun this year, marking a substantial move towards increasing the total number of airports in Oman to 13.
The planned expansion aims to improve domestic aviation significantly and elevate tourism in the Sultanate. Al Abri expressed optimism about the impact of these projects, anticipating a considerable rise in airport passenger traffic. By 2040, the figure is expected to soar from the current 17 million to 50 million. This strategic move is not only about enhancing passenger capacity but also about attracting more international traffic and supporting logistics and tourism in key regions, specifically connecting to Oman's industrial hubs in Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm.
National Aviation Strategy 2040
In the backdrop of these developments, the National Aviation Strategy 2040 comes into focus. Initially approved by the Cabinet in 2019 as the National Aviation Strategy 2030, the strategy underwent a comprehensive review and extension in response to the pandemic-induced changes in the aviation sector. "Following the pandemic, we focused on heavily restructuring the aviation sector and dismantling our holding structure and various companies," Al Abri explained. This restructuring included CAA taking on additional responsibilities such as building airports and overseeing all related infrastructure.
The revised strategy is broad in scope, touching upon various aspects beyond traditional airport and commercial airline operations. It encompasses the implementation of new technologies, including drones; attracting private aviators; positioning airports as logistics centers; and potentially launching a new airline. Al Abri highlighted the collaborative effort in approving the 2040 strategy, involving cooperation with 60 local entities over eight months.
Oman's forward-thinking approach towards its aviation industry, underscored by the National Aviation Strategy 2040, sets a comprehensive pathway for growth. This includes not only expanding physical infrastructure with new airports but also embracing technological advancements and broadening the sector's scope to cater to future demands. With these initiatives, Oman is well on its way to becoming a significant aviation hub in the region, promoting connectivity, tourism, and economic development.
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